- Review -

22.10.2011 ReviewStash.com

For testing, I chose the stock heatsink, the higher-end Corsair H50 (in a push-pull configuration), and the mid-range Coolink Corator DS tower. For each heatsink, I used Arctic Cooling MX-2 thermal paste. The results are truly impressive. Even at lower RPM values, the Noctua NH-D14 easily outperforms Corsair's H50. The Noctua NH-D14, without the U.L.N.A. on each fan, is much quieter than the perceivably silent Corsair H50; the unit with both fans averages roughly 23 dBA. To really put the NH-D14's performance into perspective, I believe that you will only be able to out-perform this unit with an expensive, custom water cooling configuration. Even then, it'll be hard to match the low-noise of the pump-less NH-D14.

"It's really hard to not love Noctua's NH-D14. Ignoring the MSRP, you can usually find the NH-D14 for just ten dollars more than Corsair's H50. The installation is easier, the performance is better, and the quality is much higher - you do not have to worry about leaking anything onto your expensive components. Not only that, but the NH-D14 performs well even with the low RPM fans that Noctua has included; this means, with an additional purchase, it is highly likely that you could get unheard of performance out of your NH-D14." (Daniel R. Levy, ReviewStash.com)